When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to step away from their senior royal roles, they didn’t realize the extent of the consequences, TMZ reports.
Sources tell the site that the pair were “shocked” to learn they had to give up their roles as youth ambassadors to the Commonwealth, per the terms of the deal Harry signed with Queen Elizabeth II, his brother Prince William and his father, Prince Charles.
They were reportedly reluctant to forgo the HRH titles in a bid for more freedom, but didn’t expect their ambassadorships to be on the chopping block.
The Commonwealth is a group of 53 nations, many former British territories. In their roles, Harry and Meghan were tasked with empowering young people in those countries.
Meghan was so devoted to the role, she had flowers from all 53 nations embroidered onto her dress.
ROYAL UPGRADE?
Now that Meghan and Harry are stepping down, who will take on their schedule of tours and engagements?
Reports vary. Some say the Queen’s daughter in law Sophie Wessex will step in, but royal biographer Robert Lacey believes Harry’s cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will step up.
He tells Hello!: “It’s quite clear that one of the consequences is that Beatrice and Eugenie will now be brought forward—if they’re willing to be brought forward. If two go out, two have got to come in, and those two have got to be Beatrice and Eugenie. I’m sure they will step forward and be greatly welcomed. It’s what the family needs as it’s another 15 years before Prince George‘s generation steps up. It’s ironic that Harry mentioned his cousins as models of how he wants to be.”